By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Find crane flies in their preferred habitats. Crane flies like to live in moist and humid areas such as near lakes and streams, in floodplains or in woodlands. You can also find crane flies in or near patches of mud. Some crane flies, however, may live in drier environments, such as open fields.
Step2
Observe the appearance of crane flies. They have gray-, brown-, tan- or gold-colored bodies. Their wings have a narrow shape and a cloudy appearance. Crane flies also have six very long and brittle legs. You may even find crane flies missing one or more of their legs. Crane flies have three eyes, long antennae and a V shape on the top of their thorax (the central part of their body). Many liken crane flies to large mosquitoes.
Step3
Take note of a crane fly's size. Crane flies range up to 2½ inches in length. Females have a wingspan ranging from 1½ to 2 inches. Males have a wingspan ranging from 1¼ to 1½ inches.
Step4
Watch the behaviors of crane flies. Adult crane flies do not eat, but you can see crane fly larvae feeding on decomposing matter. Crane flies don't fly very well and you can see them wobbling during flight. Furthermore, crane flies don't bite humans or animals.
